Ian Begley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Did Stoudemire take subtle shot at Tyson?

NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks fell to 5-22 after Tuesday’s 20-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks. But that didn’t stop Amar'e Stoudemire from taking what could be construed as a shot at ex-Knick Tyson Chandler.

“Tyson’s supposed to be a great defensive player but they still sent double- and triple-teams on me,” Stoudemire said after scoring 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting against Dallas. “So that’s kind of a compliment if you ask me -- for a guy to be known for his defensive presence and the team to still send a double-team.

“It shows that the coaching staff has a lot of respect for my inside game. But with that being said, they tried to take me out of the game by doing that. So well played on their behalf.”

It didn’t seem like Stoudemire meant what he said as a shot at Chandler. Stoudemire’s point, it seemed, was to express confidence in his own play.

Nonetheless, it was an interesting choice of words after the Knicks lost for the 12th time in 13 games.

“We couldn’t get stops,” Stoudemire said. “Tough game tonight.”

Is Tim Hardaway Jr. feeling pressure? With J.R. Smith (plantar fascia) and Iman Shumpert (shoulder) out, the Knicks are counting on Hardaway Jr. to produce.

Hardaway Jr. has put up points in Smith and Shumpert's absence, but he's struggled with his shot.

The second-year guard is shooting just 9-for-32 in his past two games, including 1-for-16 from beyond the arc. He's averaging 16 points per game in that span.

Hardaway Jr. was asked if he’s feeling any pressure to do more with Shumpert and J.R. Smith out.

“Um, kinda, sort of, not really,” Hardaway said.

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